Deciding to quit drinking can be a difficult task, both mentally and physically. One of the biggest concerns for people considering quitting is the fear of withdrawal symptoms. How long do alcohol withdrawal symptoms last? How bad will they be?.
The truth is, the timeline and progression of alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary greatly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including your general health, the frequency of your drinking, and the length of time you’ve been doing it. However, being aware of the general schedule will help you plan ahead and make wise decisions regarding your recuperation.
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy. While it is generally safe and effective some people may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. This article will discuss the symptoms of Lamictal withdrawal, how to cope with them, and how to detox safely.
Can You Stop Taking Lamictal Cold Turkey?
No, you should never stop taking Lamictal cold turkey. This can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications, including seizures, increased mood symptoms, and even suicidal thoughts or actions
Always talk to your doctor before stopping or changing your dose of Lamictal. They will help you develop a tapering schedule that will minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety.
Lamictal Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms of Lamictal withdrawal can vary from person to person. Some people may experience only mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms. The severity of your withdrawal symptoms will depend on factors such as:
- How long you have been taking Lamictal
- Your dosage
- Whether you stopped suddenly or tapered off
- Other medications you are taking
- Your overall health
Common Lamictal withdrawal symptoms include:
- Mood swings: Feeling irritable, angry, or hostile
- Loss of focus: Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Depression: Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty
- Anxiety: Feeling nervous, restless, or on edge
- Headaches: Pain in the head, ranging from mild to severe
- Body tingling: Sensations of tingling, prickling, or numbness in the body
- Suicidal thoughts or actions: Thinking about or attempting to harm yourself
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away. They can help you manage your symptoms and ensure that you are safe.
Lamictal Withdrawal Timeline
The timeline for Lamictal withdrawal can also vary from person to person. Some people may start to experience symptoms within a few days of stopping the medication, while others may not experience symptoms for a week or more. In most cases, withdrawal symptoms will peak within the first few days and then gradually subside over the next few weeks.
Here is a general timeline of Lamictal withdrawal:
- Days 1-3: You may start to experience mild withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings, loss of focus, and headaches.
- Days 4-7: Your withdrawal symptoms may peak and become more severe.
- Weeks 2-4: Your withdrawal symptoms should start to gradually subside.
- Months 1-3: Most people will be completely free of withdrawal symptoms by this time.
It is important to note that this is just a general timeline. Your actual experience may be different. If your withdrawal symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few weeks, see your doctor.
How to Detox Safely from Lamictal
If you are planning to stop taking Lamictal, it is important to do so safely. Here are some tips for detoxing safely from Lamictal:
- Talk to your doctor. They will help you develop a tapering schedule that is right for you.
- Taper off slowly. Do not stop taking Lamictal suddenly. This can increase your risk of withdrawal symptoms.
- Be patient. It may take several weeks or even months to completely detox from Lamictal.
- Listen to your body. If you experience any withdrawal symptoms, let your doctor know. They may be able to adjust your tapering schedule or prescribe medication to help you manage your symptoms.
- Get support. Talk to your family, friends, or a therapist about what you are going through. They can provide you with the support you need to get through this difficult time.
Long-Term Treatment
Once you have stopped taking Lamictal, you may need to consider alternative treatments for your condition. Other medications are available that can help you manage the symptoms of your condition, including other anticonvulsants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics.
Discuss your options with your doctor to determine what medication or treatment might suit your needs.
Resources
If you are interested in stopping Lamictal or lowering your dose, your best option is to start by talking to your doctor. Joining a bipolar disorder support group can also be a helpful source of encouragement, support, and advice.
Visit the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for more information.
While not observed in clinical trials, some people may experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping Lamictal. Your experience may vary and may be influenced by various factors, including how long you’ve taken the medication.
Talk to your doctor before changing your dose or stopping your medication. They can work with you to develop a tapering schedule that will minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and recommend other ways of managing your condition.
If you or a loved one are struggling with bipolar disorder or another mental health condition, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Amount and Duration of Alcohol Use
A big factor that determines how tough withdrawal hits is your history with alcohol. If you’ve been heavily drinking for a long time, chances are your withdrawal symptoms will be more intense. They’ll also last longer compared to someone who’s been drinking moderately for a shorter period.
This supports the theory that alcohol causes systemic shock when consumed in excess because your body becomes accustomed to it over time.
But what exactly constitutes “excessive drinking”?
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines excessive drinking for men as having five drinks on any given day or more than fifteen drinks per week.
- The threshold for excessive drinking is lower for women, who are defined as consuming more than eight drinks per week or four drinks on any given day.
But even if you haven’t reached these particular thresholds, having any kind of alcohol dependence can still result in withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking.
Your overall health also affects your withdrawal symptoms. Pre-existing medical conditions such as heart problems, liver or kidney problems, or mental health issues can affect how your body handles withdrawal.
How you choose to quit affects your withdrawal journey. Quitting suddenly (cold turkey) often leads to more intense symptoms compared to gradually tapering off under medical supervision.
Ultimately, both methods lead to sobriety. However, depending on your preferred strategy, the initial step away from alcoholism can be either steep or gradual.
Having a supportive network of friends, family, or healthcare professionals significantly influences your withdrawal journey. A reliable support system providing encouragement, understanding, and practical help can make the tough times much more manageable. They can help you navigate the emotional and physical hurdles that may arise during withdrawal.
Understanding these factors doesn’t predict your exact experience. It’s more about awareness and being prepared. Speaking with a medical expert can help you get through your particular journey and come out stronger on the other side.
Giving up alcohol is a brave choice, and sometimes the withdrawal symptoms can be too much to handle. While some people only have minor withdrawal symptoms that go away on their own, others struggle more severely and need medical assistance.
Individual Factors Affecting Withdrawal
Individual differences exist in the duration and severity of alcohol withdrawal due to a variety of factors, such as genetic composition, lifestyle choices, and more. Understanding these personal characteristics can make a huge difference when figuring out your own path toward recovery.
Everything you NEED to know about Lamictal Withdrawal | with Trudy (Lamotrigene group moderator)
FAQ
Does lamotrigine need to be weaned?
Can you restart lamotrigine after discontinuation?
What does lamotrigine do to the brain?
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Feature
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Lamotrigine
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Mechanism of action
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Preferentially inhibits sodium channels by binding to the fast inactivated state, which slows the recovery of the channel to its active state. This results in the reduction of neuronal excitability and decreases the likelihood of seizures.
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What happens if you take lamotrigine and are not bipolar?